Anyone that knows me, knows about my lamp shade obsession! Fringed, shapely, tattered and torn.The older and fancier the better.

     Sometimes I find them and they are perfect as is.

     Even the small lampshades have a special attraction for me. I put them on tiny lamps and chandeliers. I love the shadows they cast.

     This easy DIY lampshade casts the most fantastic shadows. I started with a plain Empire lampshade that had a lovely fluted bottom and awful vinyl cover. I just cut it all off and threw the cover away. If the fabric is good you may keep it for another project.

     Now, don't get me wrong, I love the shade as is and sometimes use them just like this, but this shade is destined for a fancy bedroom, so I must gild the lily!
     I start with white vintage tulle; it must be old because new tulle is usually made of polyester and won't pick up any dye/color. Look for vintage wedding veils and gowns to use for fabric.
     Soak the tulle in a hot mixture of tea and coffee overnight, then hang to dry. I often drape died lace and tulle outside for the day. It always looks so pretty!

     Then I cut it into strips that are long enough to tie onto the lampshade frame. I knot it at the bottom and trim the edges.

     Then I added vintage ribbon, tied it at the top and hung vintage crystals from the cage    bottom. Finally I wove a piece of vintage lace around the entire shade and added a vintage flower.
     You can make a shade with strips of fabric (I have torn sheets up for this), colored ribbon or pieces of old lace. I have used old curtains, burlap, jute and vintage negligees! This is a simple, inexpensive way to dress up a shade. You can customize it for any room, with virtually any fabric. Embellish with seed pearls, crystals, rosettes, flowers, fringe or anthing else that strikes your fancy. Just a little time and creativity and you can make this for any room!
     Have fun, be impractical and spice up a corner of your home!

     A fireplace mantle. Whether you have one that surrounds a real crackling fire, a faux one or just dream of having one; a fireplace brings to mind images of warmth, comfort, holidays and traditions. A decorated mantle can be a great place to display a collection, announce the changing seasons or just enhance a room.                                                                                
    If  you live in a small home or apartment don't wait for the home of your dreams to enjoy the ambiance and decorating possibilities of a mantle. Architectural elements can add a sense of permanence to any house. Stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot carry a nice selection of mantles to help you get this feeling of warmth, coziness now.

     The next picture is just birdcages. I didn't add anything else besides a vintage picture frame. Quite simple really. You may not want to use all birdcages in your home, but it is just an idea to get your creative juices flowing.

     However, we had no inclination or time to undertake a project of this magnitude before a wedding. Plus, from previous experience I have learned I don't handle construction well. The project is always messier, longer, more difficult (see expensive) and workers never work as fast as I think they should. Remodeling stress at this time was just unnecessary.
     Regardless, we had to make the bathroom presentable. Now. Pretty and functional was the goal.
     Enter plumber. We had to call him because when we turned the sink on, the bathwater ran. Amusing, but not very efficient. After explaining that YES, the replacement fixtures MUST match and YES, we need a shower head and NO I don't want to hear exactly how he fixed everything (see glazed look in my eyes), the job was done. 

     Next on the agenda; clean. I cleaned thoroughly when we moved in, but in the back of my mind I knew it was all going to end up in a dumpster, so I didn't stress about. This time it had to be done right.
   The Magic Eraser does what it promises with minimal elbow grease and no fumes, so I go to that first, then Vinegar and baking soda (the chemical reaction works well on small rust stains). This time however, my husband had to pull out the big guns and used WD-40 and steel wool to get the remaining rust. Messy and stinky, but much improved!

     The existing medicine cabinet and lighting was functional and true to the era the house, but the clean, clinical look has never been my  thing, so OUT it went. In it's place a vintage shabby gold mirror.  Much better. Elegant, warm and charming.  Ready to reflect light.

    Now to replace that awful existing light! As much as we have enjoyed the "Chicken Light" (name we've given to the bare heating bulb hanging there presently), it has to go. Happily I always have an arsenal of chandeliers at Faded Velvet, so I just needed to measure for a light that the door wouldn't hit. 
     My husband wired and hung this chandelier, but I could have used a chandelier that  has a long cord that would plug into any outlet and hang from a secure hook in the ceiling.

       Lighting taken care of, it was time to hide the plumbing under the sink. I used a simple white lace tablecloth that reached around the pedestal sink and to the floor. I folded the extra length over and out at the top, pinned it, then hand-sewed it. I used a Dry Erase marker to make a level line around the sink where I needed to stick the Velcro strip, then put pieces of Velcro on the curtain and adhered it to the sink. Now the mechanics of the sink are hidden, but I can easily remove the lace for cleaning purposes. Big improvement!

     The final, but most important step of this make-over was to accessorize. I stuck to mostly white, as it is crisp and clean, but added enough other items to keep the room from feeling sterile. When it comes to accessories, I believe more is ALWAYS more, but I was limited as there is very little flat surface area to place all the stuff that I love to surround myself with.
     Candles, soaps, vases, sponges and big fluffy towels all added warmth and coziness.

     I bought a pretty tiered shower curtain, a bath caddy and a new white pierced tin wastebasket at Bed Bath and Beyond. Other than that I stole from Faded Velvet and other rooms in my house. If you walk through your house, you may be surprised at what is found right under your nose. Plus, you can save money!

     Well, the bathroom is now useable; even pleasant. Some evening after a long hard day at work I plan on lighting candles and enjoying a nice hot soak!
     This cosmetic make-over took us about 5 days total. I did attempt to scrape off the wallpaper border, but it just wasn't budging. Time constraints stopped me from finishing it, but I still have to tackle it. 
     I hope this gives you incentive and motivation to tackle a project like this. Sometimes it is just a matter of getting started. It certainly doesn't have to be perfect. Just inviting, warm and cozy. Have fun and share your before and after pictures. I always love to see them!

     It's Flea Market Day!! I'm up before the birds, but not before Clyde. Every morning he waits impatiently and loudly because he is sure EVERYDAY THIS is the day he surely won't get fed!

         It is a dangerous walk down these stairs every morning as Clyde weaves back and forth in front of me meowing pitifully the whole way.

     Time for just one quick cup of coffee before I leave. I am already warm and it feels muggy and hot today.  I'm heading to Hartville's Flea Market this morning, which, happily is only one mile from my store! It is one of the largest Flea Markets in Ohio and has become a huge draw for the area and a prime source for antique collectors. I can't wait to get there, though as I drive it appears to be turning into a foggy venture..........like a scary movie......

     I meet Erin and we hit the floor running. So much to see. So VERY much!!

                                                      .......and my personal favorite of the day.................................

      We came, we bought and we filled my truck so full, we couldn't shut the back gate.  Here's a pic of some of the great goodies we acquired today.  We are hot, sticky, thirsty, and  our hair is a disaster. Ick! But, it is time to open the store, clean and inventory all items, put them out in a display and maybe if we're lucky, put our feet up for a moment! I am so blessed to be able to do what I do! I do NOT take it for granted. EVER!